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Second Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mankato Area Public Schools

Second Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Food Service/Second Cook Date Posted: 7/17/2026 Location: MAPS Center for Learning Closing Date: 7/30/26, or until filled Second Cook MAPS Center for Learning A position is available for a Second ...

Mankato Area Public Schools

Second Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Food Service/Second Cook Date Posted: 5/1/2026 Location: Rosa Parks Elementary School Closing Date: 05/11/26, or until filled Second Cook Rosa Parks Elementary School A position is available for a ...

Mankato Area Public Schools

Second Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Second Cook Roosevelt Elementary School A position is available for a Second Cook at Roosevelt Elementary School beginning August 2026. This position is for 6 hours per day/5 days per week (7:00 am ...

Mankato Area Public Schools

Second Cook

Mankato, MN

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Second Cook MAPS Center for Learning A position is available for a Second Cook at MAPS Center for Learning beginning August 2026. This position is for 8 hours per day/5 days per week (6:00 am to 2:00 ...

Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Second Cook

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Second Cook Roosevelt Elementary School A position is available for a Second Cook at Roosevelt Elementary School beginning August 2026. This position is for 6 hours per day/5 days per week (7:00 am ...

Mankato Area Public Schools

Second Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Second Cook Rosa Parks Elementary School A position is available for a Second Cook at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning August 2026. This position is for 8 hours per day/5 days per week (6:00 am ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Newark, NJ · On-site

$23.40/hr

Second Cook Req #: 0000250863 Category: Dietitian / Nutritionist Status: Part-Time Shift: Day Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Department: Dietary-Management Pay Range: $23.40 per hour ...

Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Second Cook

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Second Cook Rosa Parks Elementary School A position is available for a Second Cook at Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning August 2026. This position is for 8 hours per day/5 days per week (6:00 am ...

Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Second Cook

Dallas, TX

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

The Second Cook will lead the serving table making sure all the plates are correctly served (quantities and presentation). Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Newark, NJ

$23.40/hr

Second Cook Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000250863 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $23.40 - $23.40 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Second Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

The Second Cook will lead the serving table making sure all the plates are correctly served (quantities and presentation). Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Second Cook

Dallas, TX

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

The Second Cook will lead the serving table making sure all the plates are correctly served (quantities and presentation). Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position * Prepare and store ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$21.11/hr

Second Cook Req #: 0000239595 Category: Dietitian / Nutritionist Status: Part-Time Shift: Evening Facility: Jersey City Medical Center Department: Dietary-Management Pay Range: $21.11 per hour ...

Catholic Health

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Amherst College

Second Cook

Amherst, MA · On-site

$22.10 - $23/hr

Second Cook Amherst Campus Full Time JR6788 Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic ...

Catholic Health

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY

$26 - $28/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Catholic Health

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

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Second Cook information

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How much do second cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for second cook in the United States is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between 1st cook and 2nd cook?

A second cook typically assists the first cook by preparing ingredients, following recipes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness, often working under supervision. The first cook usually has more experience, oversees kitchen operations, and handles more complex dishes and management tasks. Both roles require culinary skills, but the first cook generally has greater responsibility and authority in the kitchen hierarchy.

What is the difference between Second Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectSecond CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, hotelKitchen, restaurant, hotel
Employer UsageAssists head chef, supervises prepPrepares dishes on specific station
Common Search IntentUnderstanding role differences, job requirementsJob responsibilities, skills needed

The main difference between a Second Cook and a Line Cook is that a Second Cook typically has more supervisory responsibilities and assists the head chef with kitchen operations, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes on their assigned station. Both roles require culinary training and food safety certifications, and they work in similar kitchen environments. The Second Cook often supports the team and manages prep work, whereas the Line Cook executes the actual cooking of menu items.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

Executive chefs and head cooks typically earn the highest salaries among cooking roles, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than standard line cooks or prep cooks.

How to make extra money as a cook?

Second cooks can earn extra income by taking on side jobs such as catering, private chef services, or cooking classes. Developing specialized skills or certifications can also help secure freelance opportunities or higher-paying shifts outside their regular employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Second Cook, and why are they important?

To excel as a Second Cook, you need strong culinary skills, a solid understanding of food safety standards, and relevant kitchen experience, often supported by a culinary diploma or food safety certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and recipe management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and supporting the head chef in a fast-paced environment.

What is a second cook?

A second cook is a culinary professional who assists the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and managing kitchen operations. They often have experience in food preparation, follow recipes accurately, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, supporting the overall food service process.

What are some common challenges faced by a Second Cook, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Second Cook, common challenges include working efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining consistency in food quality, and adapting quickly to changing menus or special dietary requests. Managing these challenges involves strong time management, clear communication with the head chef and kitchen team, and staying organized in your prep and station setup. Proactively seeking feedback and demonstrating flexibility can also help you handle the fast-paced nature of the kitchen while ensuring high standards are met.

What are Second Cooks?

Second Cooks are culinary professionals who assist in preparing and cooking food in commercial kitchens, often under the supervision of a Head Chef or First Cook. They handle tasks such as chopping ingredients, cooking basic dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Second Cooks play a crucial support role in meal preparation and may help with inventory or training junior kitchen staff. This position is vital for the smooth operation of restaurant and catering kitchens.
What states have the most Second Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Second Cook jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Second Cook jobs? For Second Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Second Cook jobs near you
Second Cook

Second Cook

Mankato Area Public Schools

Mankato, MN • On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Second Cook
Date Posted:
7/17/2026
Location:
MAPS Center for Learning
Closing Date:
7/30/26, or until filled
Second Cook
MAPS Center for Learning
A position is available for a Second Cook at MAPS Center for Learning beginning August 2026. This position is for 8 hours per day/5 days per week (6:00 am to 2:00 pm).
Summary of Duties:
The Second Cook will assist the Cook Manager in coordinating the preparation, planning, documentation and serving of the school meal programs ensuring the nutrition and proper preparation of meals, and having them ready on a timely basis. This position will work with meals at Central High School. Must have a valid drivers license.
Eligible Employee Benefits include:
  • Public Employer's Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement Pension
  • 403(b) Retirement Matching Program
  • Medical Coverage
  • Fully Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave, Personal Leave,
  • Emergency Leave and Holidays
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • And Much More!

Rate of Pay:
$16.80 - $17.65
Application deadline:
July 30, 2026 or until filled
To apply go to www.isd77.org then Careers.
This position will be filled on the basis of the experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant and the needs of the District. District 77 complies with state and federal fair employment regulations.
For further information, call Darcy Stueber, Director of Nutrition Services at 507-388-7442.

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